Eat Your Fill at Starved Rock Lodge’s Main Dining Room

Don’t let the name fool you – you’ll be anything but starved at Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby. The historic natural wonderland hosts 2.4 million guests every year, and the park’s Main Dining Room delights the senses with its warm, rustic atmosphere and mouthwatering menu.

“Starved Rock Lodge opened in 1939, and its historic ambience is the No. 1 draw with beautiful pine logs and a massive fireplace,” says Kathy Casstevens, marketing director for Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center. “Our menu has lots of comfort food, like meatloaf and fried chicken, but also trendy fare, including some gluten-free options. We just added stuffed shrimp to our menu, and I love the strawberry pecan salad. Many visitors love the breaded and fried pork tenderloin.”

A National Historic Landmark, Starved Rock State Park beckons visitors to escape the daily grind and get lost among scenic canyons and seasonal waterfalls, which freeze into icefalls in winter. A favorite destination for hikers and outdoor lovers, the park hosts numerous family reunions and 140 weddings per year.

“It’s totally unexpected in the flatlands because we’re surrounded by corn and soybean fields, but we have 18 amazing canyons and waterfalls just minutes from our lodge,” Casstevens says. “One thing people enjoy about our Main Dining Room is that we have a veranda for outdoor dining with beautiful views of the Illinois River Valley. You can see the top of Starved Rock from where you’re dining.”

Any of the locals will tell you that the Main Dining Room’s Sunday brunch is not to be missed.

“Our Sunday brunch is a huge draw. We’re known for it,” Casstevens says. “There’s such a large variety of food, so everybody finds something they like – an omelet station, carved meats, salads, potatoes and 15 feet of dessert.”